MINUTES
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM AUGUST 28, 2009
A. Call to Order
Mrs. Elsie Burkhalter, Chair, called to order the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System in Room 100, the “Louisiana Purchase Room,” Claiborne Conference Center, 1201 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 11:34 a.m.
B. Roll Call
The roll was called.
PRESENT
Mrs. Elsie Burkhalter, Chair Mr. Steven Jackson Mr. Winfred F. Sibille, Vice Chair Mr. Jeff Jenkins Mr. Paul Aucoin Mr. Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Mr. Andre Coudrain Mr. Russell Mosely Dr. Mildred G. Gallot Mr. D. Wayne Parker Mr. E. Gerald Hebert Mr. Carl Shetler
ABSENT
Mr. Edward Crawford III Ms. Renee Lapeyrolerie
Also present for the meeting were the following: System President Randy Moffett, System staff, administrators and faculty representatives from System campuses, Attorney Winston DeCuir, interested citizens, and representatives of the news media.
C. Invocation
Mr. Parker gave the invocation.
D. Approval of Minutes of June 26, 2009 Meeting
Upon motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Sibille, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2009 Board Meeting.
E. Report of Academic and Student Affairs Committee
Dr. Gallot, Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, presented the Committee report.
Upon motion of Mr. Sibille, seconded by Mr. Coudrain, the Board voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the following resolutions.
Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 2 of 11
E.1. Nicholls State University’s request for termination of the following academic programs: Associate of Science degree program in Legal Assistant Studies; Associate of Science degree program in Criminal Justice; Bachelor of Science degree program in Agribusiness; Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science; Bachelor of Arts degree program in French Education Grades K-12; Bachelor of Science degree program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology; and Bachelor of Arts degree program in French.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Nicholls State University’s request for termination of the following academic programs: Associate of Science degree program in Legal Assistant Studies; Associate of Science degree program in Criminal Justice; Bachelor of Science degree program in Agribusiness; Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science; Bachelor of Arts degree program in French Education Grades K-12; Bachelor of Science degree program in Manufacturing Engineering Technology; and Bachelor of Arts degree program in French.
E.2. Northwestern State University’s request for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Barksdale Air Force Base and Northwestern State University.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Northwestern State University’s request for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Barksdale Air Force Base and Northwestern State University.
E.3. University of Louisiana at Monroe’s request for termination of the following academic programs: Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in Economics; Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in Entrepreneurship; Bachelor of Science degree program in Family and Consumer Sciences; and Philosophy Service Area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana at Monroe’s request for termination of the following academic programs: Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in Economics; Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in Entrepreneurship; Bachelor of Science degree program in Family and Consumer Sciences; and Philosophy Service Area.
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Ms. Bette Howell Maroney, Secretary of Northwestern State University’s Faculty Senate and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, made a brief public comment regarding Agenda Item E.3. On behalf of the Louisiana Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, she expressed regret with the elimination of University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Family and Consumer Sciences. She stated the importance of the field of study and urged the Board to reinstate the program when appropriate.
E.4. University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of System Universities’ 2009-2010 Promotions in Faculty Rank and Recommendations for Tenure. Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 3 of 11
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of System Universities’ 2009-2010 Promotions in Faculty Rank and Recommendations for Tenure.
F. Report of Athletic Committee
Chair Shetler presented the Committee report.
Upon motion of Mr. Shetler, seconded by Mr. Aucoin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the following resolutions.
F.1. Nicholls State University’s request for approval of an Athletics Incentive Plan for Head Coaches.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Nicholls State University’s request for approval of an Athletics Incentive Plan for Head Coaches.
F.2. Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval to appoint Mr. Tim Baldwin as Interim Athletic Director effective August 10, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval to appoint Mr. Tim Baldwin as Interim Athletic Director effective August 10, 2009.
F.3. Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval of the contractual agreement with Ms. Julie Langford as Head Volleyball Coach for the period February 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval of the contractual agreement with Ms. Julie Langford as Head Volleyball Coach for the period February 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010.
F.4. Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval of the contractual agreement with Mr. Pete Langlois as Head Softball Coach for the period June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval of the contractual agreement with Mr. Pete Langlois as Head Softball Coach for the period June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010.
F.5. University of Louisiana System’s report on significant athletic activities for the period of June 16 through August 17, 2009.
This is a report only, and no Board action is necessary. Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 4 of 11
G. Report of Audit Committee
Mr. Coudrain, Chair of the Committee, presented the report.
Upon motion of Mr. Coudrain, seconded by Mr. Sibille, the Board voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the following resolutions.
G.1. University of Louisiana System’s request for acceptance of Fiscal Year 2008-09 Financial and Compliance Representation Letters:
a. Grambling State University b. Louisiana Tech University c. Nicholls State University d. Northwestern State University e. Southeastern Louisiana University f. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana System Universities’ Fiscal Year 2008-09 Financial and Compliance Representation Letters:
a. Grambling State University b. Louisiana Tech University c. Nicholls State University d. Northwestern State University e. Southeastern Louisiana University f. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
G.2. University of Louisiana System’s report on internal and external audits submitted for the period June 16 through August 17, 2009.
This is a report only, and no Board action is necessary.
H. Report of Facilities Planning Committee
Mr. Mosely, Chair of the Facilities Planning Committee, presented the Committee report.
Upon motion of Mr. Mosely, seconded by Mr. Shetler, the Board voted unanimously to amend its agenda to include two items of other business.
Upon motion of Mr. Mosely, seconded by Mr. Shetler, the Board voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the following resolutions.
H.1. Grambling State University’s request for approval to name the basketball arena in the Assembly Center the “Fredrick C. Hobdy Arena.”
Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 5 of 11
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System here by approve Grambling State University’s request to name the basketball arena in the Assembly Center the “Fredrick C. Hobdy Arena.”
H.2. Louisiana Tech University’s request for approval to proceed with negotiations to develop a cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of Ruston to establish a business relationship for the supply of potable water and to transfer ownership and maintenance responsibility for portions of the existing and new University water distribution system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Louisiana Tech University’s request to proceed with negotiations to develop a cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of Ruston to establish a business relationship for the supply of potable water and to transfer ownership and maintenance responsibility for portions of the existing and new University water distribution system.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Louisiana Tech University is hereby designated and authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to execute said lease.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Louisiana Tech University shall obtain final review from UL System staff, legal counsel, and shall secure all other appropriate approvals from agencies/parties of processes, documents, and administrative requirements prior to execution of documents.
AND FURTHER, that Louisiana Tech University will provide the System office with copies of all final executed documents for Board files.
H.3. Louisiana Tech University’s request for approval of the renovation for research laboratories in the Biomedical Engineering Building in accordance with the provisions set forth in Act 959 of 2003.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Louisiana Tech University’s request of the renovation for research laboratories in the Biomedical Engineering Building in accordance with the provisions set forth in Act 959 of 2003.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Louisiana Tech University shall obtain final review from UL System staff, legal counsel, and shall secure all other appropriate approvals from agencies/parties of processes, documents, and administrative requirements.
AND FURTHER, that Louisiana Tech University will provide the System office with copies of all final executed documents for Board files.
H.4. Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval to name the strength and conditioning facility the “Naquin Strength and Conditioning Center.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval to name the strength and conditioning facility the “Naquin Strength and Conditioning Center.”
Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 6 of 11
H.5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request for approval to name the Advanced Computer and Technology Research Building the “James R Oliver Hall.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request for approval to name the Advanced Computer Technology Research Building the “James R. Oliver Hall.”
H.6. University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request for approval to continue the process of renovating and improving the spring sports facilities utilizing Ragin’ Cajuns Facilities (RCI), Inc., a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, corporation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request for approval to continue the process of renovating and improving the spring sports facilities utilizing Ragin’ Cajuns Facilities (RCI), Inc., a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, corporation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the University shall submit all information and documentation required for implementing the project(s) to the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System for final approval at the October 2009 Board meeting.
AND FURTHER, University staff, UL System staff, and legal counsel shall ensure that all documents conform to statutory and administrative requirements.
H.7. University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of Fiscal Year 2010-11 Capital Outlay Budget Request and Institutions’ Five-Year Capital Outlay Plans.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of Fiscal Year 2010-11 Capital Outlay Budget Request and Institutions’ Five-Year Capital Outlay Plans.
Other Business
H.8. University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request for approval of a petition to the State Interim Emergency Board to address repairs to Cajun Field, the University’s football stadium.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s request to petition the State Interim Emergency Board to address repairs to Cajun Field.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Dr. Randy Moffett, President of University of Louisiana System, and/or Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, President of University of Louisiana at Lafayette, are hereby designated and authorized to execute any and all documents associated with said action by the University of Louisiana System.
Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 7 of 11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that University of Louisiana at Lafayette shall obtain final reviews from UL System staff, legal counsel, and all other appropriate agencies/parties, of processes, documents, and administrative requirements.
AND FURTHER, that University of Louisiana at Lafayette will provide System office with copies of all final executed documents for Board files.
H.9. McNeese State University’s request for approval of a petition to the State Interim Emergency Board to address the most immediate deficiencies cited by the United States Department of Justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve McNeese State University’s request to petition the State Interim Emergency Board to address the most immediate deficiencies cited by the United States Department of Justice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Dr. Randy Moffett, President of University of Louisiana System, and/or Dr. Robert Hebert, president of McNeese State University, are hereby designated and authorized to execute any and all documents associated with said action by the University of Louisiana System.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that McNeese State University shall obtain final reviews from UL System staff, legal counsel, and all other appropriate agencies/parties, of processes, documents, and administrative requirements.
AND FURTHER, that McNeese State University will provide System office with copies of all final executed documents for Board files.
I. Report of Finance Committee
Mr. Parker, Chair of the Finance Committee, presented the Committee report.
Upon motion of Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr. Jackson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the following resolutions.
I.1. Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval of an Affiliation Agreement with the Institute for Global and Domestic Development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Southeastern Louisiana University’s request for approval of an Affiliation Agreement with the Institute for Global and Domestic Development.
I.2. University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of Fiscal Year 2009-10 Operating Budgets, including organization charts, undergraduate/graduate mandatory attendance fees, and scholarships.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve the University of Louisiana System Institutions’ Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 8 of 11
Fiscal Year 2009-10 Operating Budgets, including organization charts, undergraduate/graduate mandatory attendance fees, and scholarships.
I.3. University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of a proposed Board Rule Revision to Chapter IV, Finance and Business, Section V. Student Fees, O. Fee Exemption for Faculty, Staff and Dependents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby suspend the Rules in order to waive the 30-day requirement to allow the Board to take action on the proposed Rule changes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve a proposed Board Rule Revision to Chapter IV, Finance and Business, Section V. Student Fees. O. Fee Exemption for Faculty, Staff and Dependents.
J. Report of Grievance Committee
Mr. Wayne Parker, Vice Chair, gave the Committee report.
J.1. Grambling State University: Mr. Christian Wallace, Student
Upon motion of Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr. Sibille, the Board voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the following resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby uphold Grambling State University’s decision and deny a hearing to Mr. Christian Wallace, Student.
K. Report of Special Committee on Access and Success
Chair Parker gave the report of the Committee.
K.1. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Chair Parker stated that President James Cofer, Dr. Stephen Richters, Ms. Lisa Miller, and Ms. Barbara Michaelides had presented a powerpoint describing the University’s initiatives to advance recruitment, retention, and graduation rates among its students.
This was a report only, and no Board action was required.
Mr. Parker indicated that Northwestern State University will present a report at the next meeting of the Special Committee and Board.
Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 9 of 11
L. System President’s Business
L.1. Personnel Actions
Dr. Randy Moffett, System President, reported that System staff reviewed the personnel actions, including promotions in faculty rank and recommendations for tenure, and staff recommends approval.
Upon motion of Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr. Shetler, the Board voted unanimously to approve the System personnel actions and promotions in faculty rank and recommendations for tenure.
L.2. University of Louisiana System’s request for approval of 2009-10 Furlough Plans:
a. Southeastern Louisiana University b. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Upon motion of Mr. Mosely, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following resolution.
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve Southeastern Louisiana University’s 2009-10 Furlough Plan.
Upon motion of Mr. Long, seconded by Mr. Jackson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following resolution.
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System does hereby approve University of Louisiana at Monroe’s 2009-10 Furlough Plan.
L.3. System President’s Report
• Dr. Moffett informed members of the Board that Ms. Blair Broussard, who has been working in the System Office as a graduate assistant, has accepted a position as Assistant Brand Manager for E-Commerce with the Community Coffee Company. He wished Blair well as she advances in her career.
• Dr. Moffett congratulated Louisiana Tech University as it was elevated to Tier 3 category in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 Best Colleges report. UL Lafayette was ranked in Tier 4, and Grambling ranked in Tier 2 for HBCUs.
• Dr. Moffett informed Board members that copies of the ACT Student Satisfaction Survey results from the past nine years were included in their folders for their information.
• Dr. Moffett invited members to review the Board of Regents press release that described results of a value-added study of redesigned teacher education programs in the state. Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 10 of 11
Graduates of Northwestern State University’s Practitioner Teacher Program in Science were rated at the highest level as well as graduates from University of Louisiana at Monroe’s MAT Alt. Cert in Science. He commended these universities for their excellent rating.
• Dr. Moffett thanked the UL System Presidents for their hard work and commitment to improving graduation rates and announced a new, related initiative by the Board of Regents. Nicholls State University and Southeastern Louisiana University, along with five additional Louisiana institutions, will participate in a pilot project with the Education Delivery Institute (a partnership among Education Trust, Achieve, and McKinsey and Company’s Global Education Practice) with the target goal of producing an additional 10,000 Louisiana graduates by 2015.
• Dr. Moffett asked Dr. Brad O’Hara, System Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, to report on the fourth annual ULS Serves Service Learning Conference.
Dr. O’Hara stated that 160 individuals attended this year’s conference. One highlight of the program was a panel discussion during which Drs. Crain, Judson, Savoie, and Webb presented an update on the progress of service learning on their campuses as well as the value of implementing service learning. Dr. O’Hara especially thanked Ms. Blair Broussard, Dr. Caprice Ieyoub, Mr. Edwin Litolff, Mrs. Anne McKisson, Mrs. Erica Sherrard, and Mrs. Jackie Tisdell for coordinating the event.
Next year’s conference is scheduled for August 9, 2010.
• Dr. Moffett directed Board members’ attention to a Lumina Foundation publication, “FOCUS,” that contained a feature story about Northwestern State University’s efforts in adult education/CALL program. He stated that McNeese, Southeastern, and UL-Monroe also participate in the CALL program and hopefully this will become a System-wide initiative.
• Dr. Moffett thanked Board members for attending the two-day Board Orientation held on August 20-21. He stated that there was excellent dialog during the meeting and a follow- up session will be held in mid-September.
L.4. Executive Session, pursuant to R.S. 42:6.1, to discuss the following: a. Collette Josey Covington and Jade Covington vs. McNeese State University and the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, 14th Judicial District Court, No. 2001-2355 DIV F, Parish of Calcasieu, State of Louisiana. b. Matters regarding student health and safety at Grambling State University which are confidential under federal and state law.
At 12:06 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Jenkins, seconded by Dr. Gallot, the Board voted unanimously to convene in Executive Session, pursuant to R.S. 42:6.1.
Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System Minutes August 28, 2009 Page 11 of 11
The following roll call was recorded:
Yeas: Mr. Aucoin, Mrs. Burkhalter, Mr. Coudrain, Dr. Gallot, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Long, Mr. Mosely, Mr. Parker, Mr. Shetler, Mr. Sibille
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Crawford, Ms. Lapeyrolerie
------At 1:50 p.m., upon motion of Mr. Shetler, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session. While in Executive Session, no motions were made nor votes taken.
M. Board Chair’s Report
• Mrs. Burkhalter stated that she had appointed Mr. Carl Shetler as Vice Chair of the Audit Committee to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Gregory Hamer. She said that each Board member was provided an updated list of standing committees.
• Mrs. Burkhalter reminded Board members that the next scheduled regular meeting is Thursday and Friday, October 22-23, in Baton Rouge.
N. Other Business
There was no other business to come before the Board.
O. Adjournment
Upon motion of Mr. Sibille, seconded by Mr. Mosely, the meeting adjourned at 1:52 p.m.